Description
A tender, succulent smoked turkey infused with smoky flavors, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 11 lb whole turkey
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup BBQ rub (or poultry seasoning)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 tsp fresh chopped thyme
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 tbsp garlic, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- ½ medium lemon, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Remove the turkey from its packaging, discard the inside parts, and pat it dry using a paper towel.
- Using kitchen shears or a sharp chef’s knife, cut along each side of the backbone of the turkey. Remove and discard the backbone. Flip the turkey so the breast side is up and gently push down in the center of the turkey breast to flatten it.
- (Optional) Mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, and salt. Use your fingers to separate the skin of the turkey breast from the meat, and smear the compound butter between the skin and the meat.
- Drizzle olive oil over the turkey and massage it into the skin. Apply the BBQ rub and massage it into the skin.
- (Optional) Let the turkey sit in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge. Remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before smoking.
- Preheat your smoker to 275°F.
- Place the turkey breast side up directly on the grill grates. Smoke for about 90 minutes.
- (Optional) Combine basting ingredients in a pan after 30 minutes of smoking and place it in the smoker to melt. Brush half of the mix onto the turkey before continuing to smoke.
- Increase the temperature of the smoker to 350°F. Brush the turkey with the remaining baste and check the internal temperature, aiming for at least 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
- Let the smoked turkey rest for at least 30 minutes under tin foil before carving.
Notes
For the best flavor, prepare your turkey the night before. Leftovers can be stored for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 76mg